Concern about science-related issues

New MORI research into public attitudes to science is presented today (6 March 2002) at the Royal Society's first National Forum for Science. The survey -- exclusively commissioned by the Royal Society (1) -- identifies the science-related issues currently causing greatest concern to the public and reveals that scientists, government and the media need to do better over the funding and reporting of science. (Jump to Topline Results).

The research (1) reveals that the top five science-related issues currently causing public concern are -

• Biological weapons (74% of respondents)
• Global warming (70% of respondents)
• Genetic Modification of food and animals (60% of respondents)
• BSE/CJD (55% of respondents)
• Nuclear power (53% of respondents)

MORI has undertaken a number of studies that have assessed public trust towards various groups. A recent MORI survey for the BMA [The Public's Trust In Doctors Rises] -- the latest in a series of studies to test public trust of various professions -- updated this work. Professor Sir Robert Worcester of MORI commented on these findings that: "Two in three adults (64%) generally trust scientists to tell the truth. However, approaching one in four do not, and the remainder are undecided." This survey for the BMA was carried out from 7-13 February 2002. (2)

Dr Paul Nurse FRS, Nobel Laureate and Chairman of the Royal Society's Science in Society initiative, and one of the panel members for the National Forum commented on the new Royal Society research: "The two big issues, biological weapons and global warming, have received a lot of media attention and are genuinely frightening issues. It may also worry the public when politicians like the US President appear not to take the scientific evidence over global warming seriously. The other three issues, genetic modification, BSE/CJD and nuclear power, are all ones which have shaken public confidence in the scientific advice coming out of government. Surprisingly the MMR vaccine did not seem to be of such major concern. Today's National Forum for Science will bring together members of the general public, policy makers and scientists to discuss how to take the public's concerns about science more seriously."

The Royal Society-commissioned research also asked questions about the funding and reporting of science. Over half agreed that the funding of scientific research is becoming too commercialised (55%) and over half again wanted more influence over the type of scientific research that is done (53%).

"The public is understandably concerned about who is funding research. Because of the high publicity given to commercially funded research especially when new venture capital is being raised, the public probably under estimate how much scientific research is actually carried out in the UK by independent university scientists. Control and regulation of scientific research is another concern. Clearly there is a need for scientists to explain more clearly to the public how science is funded and regulated and for a greater dialogue between scientists and the public. The National Forum will contribute to that dialogue," said Paul Nurse.

The research also found that only 39% of the respondents agreed with the statement "the media present science in a responsible way". Paul Nurse commented; "There has been some sensational reporting in the newspapers about high profile scientific issue in recent years. Reporting would be improved if newspaper editors would keep their own scientific correspondents more involved in science stories when they move up the agenda and become of more general political and current affair interest."

The National Forum of Science will consider the question "Do we trust today's scientists?" and will start with a panel discussion on these research findings and other issues. As well as Dr Paul Nurse, the panel will include author Fay Weldon, environmental campaigner Charles Secrett and the government's Chief Scientist, Professor David King.

Notes

1. On behalf of the Royal Society, MORI interviewed a representative quota sample of 1001 adults aged 16+ across Britain. Interviews were conducted by telephone between 15-17 February 2002. Data was weighted to the known national population profile.
2. Results from the earlier survey for the BMA are based on 1,972 interviews with adults aged 15+ conducted in-home, face-to-face. Fieldwork was conducted 7-13 February 2002. Data was weighted to the known national population profile.
3. The Royal Society is an independent academy promoting the natural and applied sciences. Founded in 1660, the Society has three roles, as the UK academy of science, as a learned Society, and as a funding agency. It responds to individual demand with selection by merit, not by field. The Society's objectives are to:
   • recognise excellence in science
   • support leading-edge scientific research and its applications
   • stimulate international interaction
   • further the role of science, engineering and technology in society
   • promote education in the sciences and actively engage the public in scientific issues
   • provide independent authoritative advice on matters relating to science, engineering and technology
   • encourage research into the history of science

Topline Results

• MORI interviewed a representative quota sample of 1,001 adults aged 16+ across Great Britain. Interviews were conducted by telephone between 15 -- 17 February 2002
• Data are weighted to the known national population profile
• '*' indicates a value of less than half of one per cent but greater than zero
• Base all (1,001)

Q Thinking about the following issues relating to science, which of these, if any, are you particularly concerned about?